Port Pictures

The Port was installed about 2 1/2 years ago. it is inserted just below the skin and attached to the top of the rib cage. A tube runs up and into the jugular vein.
Every time Luke went to get chemo or an EUA he was accessed which means the tap into the port so they don't need to continue poking him. kinda like an IV in your hand.

Chemo is injected into this as for young children the type of treatment Luke received for chemo was a really strong dose and would have burned through normal veins.

when just going for an EUA they access the port and draw blood and anything else they need to do.

when not in use the resevoir is filled with a drug called heparin which is a blood thinner and makes sure no clots form in the port.

Pre-op you can see the port under the skin

A port can last up to 10 years or that's what we were told at least.

Post-op 

Actual Port that was removed